Faith's dog surprised many who met her or heard of her for the first time. Perplexity when looking at this dog was a natural reaction, since this animal was devoid of forepaws from birth.
The story of the birth of little Faith
A very strange and very unusual puppy was born in the winter of 2002 in the US state of Virginia. The little dog was a cross between Labrador and Chow Chow. At first glance, the fragile puppy of red color was no different from his brothers. But upon closer inspection, it turned out that the animal has practically atrophied forelegs.
Such a disabled dog seemed to have absolutely no future and was doomed to a speedy death.
Apparently, obeying the instinct of preserving only a healthy kind, the mother of little Faith immediately refused to feed her and perceive her as a full-fledged offspring. Neither the dog itself nor its first owner could even imagine that in the future a newborn puppy would become known around the world. Thanks to perseverance and the desire to live, this animal will even become an example for many people.
How a puppy named Faith (translation means "faith") found a loving mistress
Faith's newborn dog, accompanied by its first owner, was rushed to the vet. Unfortunately, the forecast was disappointing. From the words of the doctor it followed that this congenital pathology is not compatible with life. The only recommendation of the doctor was the advice to euthanize the puppy and not torment him.
By a fortunate coincidence, the little dog became known to American school teacher Judy Stringfellow. After the woman first saw the dog, almost immediately decided to take her to her. The puppy acquired a new loving family at the age of 3 weeks.
Despite the fact that the forecasts regarding the further development of the animal were depressing, Judy decided not to give up and leave the dog at all costs. The new pet acquired its famous name Faith, the translation of which is very symbolic and means the word "faith."
Long months of adaptation to life with two missing paws
At the age of just a few months, a grown-up dog Faith underwent a serious operation. As her forepaws became completely atrophied, they had to be amputated. In order to help her pet recover after the operation and adapt it to life without two forelegs, Judy quit her job and completely abandoned her teaching career. She began to devote all her time to her darling.
Faith dog first of all needed the development of a sense of balance. This was Judy's first priority, because otherwise the dog would not be able to move on its hind legs. The hostess trained her pet daily, using a regular skate board for training.
Judy also used the reward method known in dog training. To make Faith stand on her hind legs and move on them, the woman constantly used all sorts of goodies. After the dog stood on its hind legs, he always received treats with his favorite peanut butter.
Unlimited patience and love for Faith soon brought results. Judy more often began to appear with her ward in public, and the erect dog Faith ("faith" in English) became known throughout the world.
Exemplar
Judy decided that her Faith should be an example for those who need it. Increasingly, she began to appear with her pet in hospitals and various rehabilitation centers. The main purpose of such visits was the desire to show people who are injured or have gone through amputation of limbs that their problem is not the end of a full life.
When people looked at an amazing, kind and active dog, which, having remained without two forepaws, lived a full dog life, faith in their own strength returned to many. Judy wanted to convey to people the common truth that it does not matter how a person looks from the outside. The main thing is to have a core and faith in one's strength within.
A woman with her unusual Faith was often invited to various American television shows. This, of course, also accompanied the dog’s popularity. Over time, Judy opened a charity fund for people with disabilities and helped those in need, not only showing an example of her pet.
Amazing dog military career
A simple dog was able to inspire the future life of not only ordinary people. She began to be taken to military hospitals and shown to soldiers who were wounded in the war during the military operations in Iraq.
Looking at an amazing animal, many soldiers came out of a state of prolonged depression. A joyful and active dog improved the mood of anyone who met her. Due to the fact that Faith inspired hope for veterans, she was awarded the rank of sergeant.
The death of a wonderful animal
She died in 2014. She lived a wonderful life that lasted about 12 years. For a dog with such a pathology, this is very much. After death, the dog became a real symbol of faith for people with disabilities. Judy after losing her pet did not stop doing charity work. Today there is an amazing Faith memory fund that collects money for people with disabilities.
Throughout its life, the legendary animal has done a lot of good. This dog will forever be remembered by those to whom it helped to restore faith in its strength and gave the desire to live on, despite all the difficulties.